John Murtha (PA-12)

Congressman John P. Murtha has dedicated his life to serving his country both in the military and in Congress. He had a distinguished 37-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, and was the first combat veteran of Vietnam elected to Congress, where he has proudly served since 1974.

Known as a dependable voice for Western Pennsylvania, Congressman Murtha has brought 20,000 jobs to the region and has been a catalyst for programs in defense, health-care, robotics and software engineering. Congressman Murtha stood up for Pennsylvanians as the mines and mills closed, and led the region in a new direction, attracting and growing defense companies.  He also founded the House Steel Caucus and has brought millions of dollars to the United Mine Workers to retrain displaced miners and train new miners.  Murtha has the endorsements of the United Mine Workers, AFL-CIO, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States PAC among many other organizations.

Congressman Murtha is a strong advocate for progress. He fought hard for a patient's bill of rights, prescription-drug benefits, a better minimum wage, and protecting Medicare, Social Security and veterans, benefits. Among other things, he helped to save Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP); move Medicare to pay for mammograms, flu shots and other preventive care; and save the health care program of retired miners.

For his record in Congress, Jack Murtha has been awarded the National Breast Cancer Coalition Leadership Award, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry's Government Leader of the Year, Pittsburgh's Riverperson of the Year and Pennsylvania's two highest honors, the Distinguished Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. And for his stand on Iraq, he was awarded the 2006 distinguished John F.

Kennedy Profiles in Courage Award. For his bravery in Vietnam, John Murtha received the Bronze Star with Combat "V", two Purple Hearts and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

Congressman Murtha faces his first serious challenge in years by Republican William Russell. Russell has served 28 years in the US Army and in a bad year for Republicans, his campaign is one of the few places the GOP has concentrated efforts for an upset. Russell also has the support of Mike Huckabee and Fred Thompson who recently made an ad for him. Murtha has the endorsements of the United Mine Workers, AFL-CIO, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States PAC among many other organizations.

With a tough race ahead of him, we must do everything we can to keep this district blue and re-elect John Murtha. You can help him campaign by contributing now. If you live near John and would like to help you can also sign up to volunteer and we will help connect with his campaign. The stakes are too high, the time is short – get involved today.